We often talk about “reducing our carbon footprint,” and it makes us feel good to be proactive in bettering the environment. When we look at the price of carbon-reducing technologies and adaptations, however, the price of “being green” can quickly become overwhelming. Are we really using our money wisely? Is reducing carbon emission truly cost-effective?

Dr. Richard Jensen, the Gilbert F. Schaefer Professor of economics at the University of Notre Dame, will speak on The Costs and Benefits of Reducing Carbon Emissions on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University. The lecturewill explore reasons for the widely varying estimates of carbon emission reduction cost, convert these estimates into reductions of income per person, and project the anticipated benefits of reducing carbon emissions. This free lecture is open to the public and is part of the Hesburgh Lecture Series which brings top experts from Notre Dame to speak on areas of public policy matters. Lecture series is sponsored by the JU Public Policy Institute and the Notre Dame Club of Greater Jacksonville.

Jensen has been with Notre Dame since 2000 and has served as chair of Economics for 13 years. His primary areas of expertise are the economics of innovation and environmental economics. Jensen received his Ph.D. from Northwestern University and B.A. in Economics from University of Kansas. His current research includes the economics of intellectual property and the bioeconomics of invasive species.

There will be a reception at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Davis College of Business with the program following at 7 p.m.